by Gwen O’Neill

To avoid a flight of stairs, Hammer Building installed an outside elevator for one Coastside resident.

Do you have parents, friends or relatives who are concerned about whether or not they will be able to stay in their homes as they grow older? “Aging in place” is a well-known term in the design field that describes the process of trying to help seniors remain in their homes as their health and level of activity changes.

For aging seniors who have lived in their homes for many years, the idea of relocating and leaving their homes can be very painful. Often the problems of access and moving about the home safely are easy to fix, requiring relatively minor changes that can be accomplished quickly and at low cost. Detailing a home for transitional and long-term comfort is becoming more common even among younger people who look ahead as they plan remodeling or updates.

Although building codes for private homes do not require builders to provide for universal access, many homeowners are beginning to consider putting things in place when remodeling or building a home to make access easier as they age. When remodeling a bathroom, for example, it is relatively easy to place blocking in walls that makes it easy to add grab bars in the future.

The growing number of people wanting to stay in their homes and live independently has created many alliances. The Remodelors Council of the National Association of Home Builders has joined with the NAHB 50+ Housing Council, the NAHB Research Center and the AARP to develop the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist program. And on the Coastside, a group of Business Network International members in the Half Moon Bay chapter have joined together to provide specialized services to seniors. They are committed to helping seniors live independently in the comfort of their own homes.

Jane Regan of HB Design said, “We are committed to providing low-cost, easy-to-implement services for our Coastside seniors. My own Aunt Molly, at 92, lives in her own home in Massachusetts. She uses Meals on Wheels, and has people who come in and help, but she is totally independent. She also had an electric chair installed on the stairs to access the second floor.”

Prior to making physical changes in the home, other professionals can assist with planning those changes. Dr. Eric Shapira of Aging Mentor Services can help with needs assessment and family support. He said, “As the son of a general building contractor, I worked my way through college doing construction. This makes me qualified to do home safety evaluations as a first step in helping people live independently.”

Noreen Cooper Heavlin of Sorting Things Out is a professional organizer and assists with freeing up space on floors and in closets and cupboards. Cooper Heavlin said, “There are a few main issues when working with seniors. Reduced mobility can be the cause of clutter for many seniors as well as arthritic knees or bad backs. We can lift those heavy boxes compromised seniors can’t budge. Seniors can use us to haul things away to charity or do some research on pricing for selling items on eBay or craigslist.”

The remaining team members provide in-home services as needed. Adora Palmer with Floors To Go said, “Laminate flooring is very popular because it is so easy to care for. It’s a good surface for wheelchairs. We’re also selling a lot of commercial carpet which has a really tight weave and is also so easy to clean when spills occur.”

Here are a few suggestions of simple to complex changes the BNI aging-in-place providers recommend.

Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant toilet: A slightly taller toilet is wheelchair-accessible, and puts less stress on your knees and back.

Grab bars: Installation of grab bars around the tub, shower, and toilet will provide stability and safety.

Countertops: Rounded edges do not hurt as much if you accidentally bump into them.

Flooring: Non-slip flooring material is very important in the bathroom and kitchen.

Increased lighting: Add a light above your shower stall. Put new bright white fluorescent lights and a magnifying mirror at the sink.

Lever handles: Change faucets to ones with easy-to-grip lever handles.

Barrier-free bath: These baths provide easy shower access without stepping over a tub.

Seating in shower: A fold-down or built-in seat provides a place to rest and take your time in the shower.

Ramps: Make it easy for wheelchairs to maneuver in and out of the home.

Wheelchair access: Widening a doorway or removing a wall will allow greater accessibility.

Elevators: Elevators help you to easily go up and down different floor levels, and can be installed inside or outside the home.

Cabinetry: Changing the height of the cabinets, and adding rollouts and pullouts, makes them easier to use.

Resources:

National Aging In Place Council

The primary mission of the National Aging in Place Council is to establish an ongoing forum between individual professionals (from the private, public and non-profit sectors) and corporations to work together to promote aging in place. The council’s Web site, www.naipc.org, includes press releases, newsletters and recommended reading. It also includes many resources and suggestions for making homes more senior friendly.

National Council on Aging

The NCOA’s Use Your Home to Stay At Home program focuses on the appropriate use of reverse mortgages to provide the financing that can allow older people to stay in their homes. See www.ncoa.org/content.cfm?sectionid=250 for more information.

National Association of Home Builders

Activities in Congress, federal agencies, the courts, and state and local governments affect the housing industry and the NAHB is actively engaged on many fronts to ensure that housing remains a priority in the public policy arena. The NAHB Web site, www.nahb.org, includes information about housing issues in Congress and a wealth of information for both consumers and builders about building, financing, maintaining and remodeling homes

Kellie Morlock, also in the Half Moon Bay BNI chapter with Adamarc Financial Company, Inc. said, “Reverse mortgages can help finance home improvements and other in-home care services by allowing homeowners over the age of 62 to access the equity in their homes with no monthly payments or income requirements. The money can be received as a lump sum up front to finance home improvements, a monthly revenue stream to help finance on-going expenses, or some combination of these options. The qualifications are simply one’s age and the available equity in the home. Qualified lenders are required to properly educate their clients on all the nuances of this useful financing option to make sure it’s the right fit for their situation.” Morlock can be reached at 650-279-3444.

Aging in Place BNI group

Dr. Eric Shapira, Aging Mentor Services: 650-728-5827

Kevin Palmer, Floors To Go: 650-726-6386

Jane Regan, HB Design: 650-346-6650

Bob Regan, Hammer Building: 650-728-5878

Robert Dragony, Sunrise Painting: 650-726-9500

Noreen Cooper Heavlin, Sorting Things Out: 650-619-6894